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You can use video calling directly through the Facebook website. Any Facebook user with a webcam and a headset can try out the feature, and users without webcams can use it in audio-only mode. But just because all Facebook users qualify to try video calling doesn't mean all of them will succeed in connecting. If you've tried and failed to get Facebook video working, see if one of these issues underlies your problem.

No Plugin

The first time you conduct a video call, you must download and install the Facebook Video Calling Plug-In. Facebook's technology partner, Skype, created a miniature version of the Skype video-calling software that runs as a Web browser plugin to support the two-way data transmission necessary for video and audio. The person you're calling also must install the plugin. To instigate the installation, click on the button with the gear at the top of a friend's profile or timeline. Choose "Call" and click on the "Set Up" button.

Incompatible Hardware

The Skype software that powers Facebook's video-calling features requires an Intel Core processor that runs at a minimum speed of 2GHz as of March 2012. You'll also need at least 1GB of RAM. Older Windows systems, netbooks, and Macs without an Intel processor don't qualify. Because webcams rely on USB connections, disconnecting other USB devices may help marginal computers cope with the demands of video calling, as can shutting down other applications and minimizing other demands on your Internet connection.

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Incompatible Browser

If your preferred Web browser isn't on Facebook's list of best-functioning applications, you'll have to switch to one of the four choices that Facebook recommends: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer or Safari. Likewise, don't plan on using an old browser version, even if it's one of the recommended browsers. And if you're running any flavor of Linux operating system, you're out of luck. Facebook doesn't support Linux for its video-calling features as of March 2012.

Mobile Phones

Despite using Skype as the underlying technology supporting its video-chat features, Facebook doesn't allow you to invoke or accept its video calls on a mobile phone. If you want to conduct a video chat with a Facebook friend while you're on your cell phone, you have to use a Skype app that supports video chats rather than conduct your conversations through Facebook.

References

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About the Author

Elizabeth Mott has been a writer since 1983. Mott has extensive experience writing advertising copy for everything from kitchen appliances and financial services to education and tourism. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English from Indiana State University.